Original Text(~250 words)
CHAPTER XV On receiving command of the armies Kutúzov remembered Prince Andrew and sent an order for him to report at headquarters. Prince Andrew arrived at Tsárevo-Zaymíshche on the very day and at the very hour that Kutúzov was reviewing the troops for the first time. He stopped in the village at the priest’s house in front of which stood the commander in chief’s carriage, and he sat down on the bench at the gate awaiting his Serene Highness, as everyone now called Kutúzov. From the field beyond the village came now sounds of regimental music and now the roar of many voices shouting “Hurrah!” to the new commander in chief. Two orderlies, a courier and a major-domo, stood near by, some ten paces from Prince Andrew, availing themselves of Kutúzov’s absence and of the fine weather. A short, swarthy lieutenant colonel of hussars with thick mustaches and whiskers rode up to the gate and, glancing at Prince Andrew, inquired whether his Serene Highness was putting up there and whether he would soon be back. Prince Andrew replied that he was not on his Serene Highness’ staff but was himself a new arrival. The lieutenant colonel turned to a smart orderly, who, with the peculiar contempt with which a commander in chief’s orderly speaks to officers, replied: “What? His Serene Highness? I expect he’ll be here soon. What do you want?” The lieutenant colonel of hussars smiled beneath his mustache at the orderly’s tone, dismounted, gave his horse to a...
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Summary
Prince Andrew arrives at headquarters to meet the new commander-in-chief Kutúzov, who has replaced the foreign generals. While waiting, he encounters Lieutenant Colonel Denísov, a passionate officer with a speech impediment who once courted Natásha. Their meeting stirs bittersweet memories for both men—Andrew of his lost love, Denísov of his youthful proposal to a fifteen-year-old girl. When Kutúzov arrives, he's physically diminished but still sharp. Upon learning of Andrew's father's death, the old general shows genuine compassion, embracing Andrew and sharing his grief. Denísov eagerly presents his guerrilla warfare plan to cut French supply lines, speaking with conviction about breaking Napoleon's extended communications. But Kutúzov, though polite, seems more interested in a priest's wife waiting with bread and salt than in clever military strategies. As he reviews reports and paperwork, it becomes clear that Kutúzov values something beyond intelligence and detailed planning—the wisdom that comes from age and experience. He dismisses compensation claims for damaged crops with practical philosophy: 'When wood is chopped, the chips will fly.' This chapter reveals how true leadership sometimes means trusting instinct over analysis, and how personal connections matter more than professional presentations. Kutúzov represents a different kind of authority—one rooted in understanding human nature rather than military theory.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Commander-in-chief
The highest-ranking military officer who controls all armed forces. In this chapter, Kutúzov has just been appointed to replace foreign generals. This represents Russia putting a native leader in charge during their most desperate hour.
Modern Usage:
Like when a company brings in a new CEO during a crisis, or when a team gets a new coach mid-season.
Serene Highness
A formal title of respect for high-ranking nobles and military commanders. Everyone calls Kutúzov this to show deference. It's both genuine respect and political necessity.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how people carefully use titles like 'Doctor' or 'Your Honor' - it's about showing respect and acknowledging power.
Orderly
A lower-ranking soldier assigned to assist officers with daily tasks and carry messages. In this chapter, Kutúzov's orderly speaks with contempt to other officers, showing how proximity to power can make people arrogant.
Modern Usage:
Like an executive assistant who acts superior because they work for the boss - the 'gatekeeper' who controls access.
Guerrilla warfare
Military strategy using small, mobile groups to harass a larger enemy through surprise attacks and sabotage. Denísov proposes cutting French supply lines this way. It's unconventional but effective against occupying forces.
Modern Usage:
Like grassroots activism or viral social media campaigns - using small, coordinated efforts to disrupt larger systems.
Supply lines
The routes and systems that deliver food, ammunition, and equipment to armies. Denísov wants to cut Napoleon's supply lines to starve his forces. Long supply lines are vulnerable points for any large operation.
Modern Usage:
Like disrupting a company's supply chain or cutting off someone's income source - attacking the logistics that keep something running.
Bread and salt
Traditional Russian welcome ceremony where hosts offer bread and salt to honored guests. The priest's wife waits with this offering for Kutúzov. It represents hospitality and respect from common people.
Modern Usage:
Like rolling out the red carpet or bringing a casserole to new neighbors - traditional ways of showing welcome and respect.
Characters in This Chapter
Prince Andrew
Protagonist seeking purpose
Arrives at headquarters still grieving his father's death and lost love. He's trying to find meaning through military service but carries deep personal wounds. Kutúzov's compassion touches him unexpectedly.
Modern Equivalent:
The person starting over after major losses - divorce, death, job loss - trying to rebuild their life
Kutúzov
Wise military leader
The new Russian commander-in-chief who's physically aged but mentally sharp. He shows genuine compassion for Andrew's loss and dismisses elaborate military plans with practical wisdom. Values human connection over strategic theory.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced boss who trusts gut instinct over PowerPoint presentations
Lieutenant Colonel Denísov
Passionate subordinate
An enthusiastic officer with a speech impediment who once courted Natásha. He eagerly presents guerrilla warfare plans to Kutúzov but gets a polite dismissal. Represents youthful energy meeting experienced pragmatism.
Modern Equivalent:
The eager employee with great ideas who doesn't understand office politics
The orderly
Minor authority figure
Kutúzov's assistant who speaks contemptuously to other officers, showing how proximity to power can corrupt. His arrogance contrasts with his master's humility.
Modern Equivalent:
The receptionist who acts like they run the company because they sit near the CEO's office
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when lived experience matters more than formal credentials or detailed planning.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone with impressive qualifications struggles with basic human situations, while someone with less formal education handles them naturally.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"When wood is chopped, the chips will fly."
Context: Dismissing compensation claims for war damage to crops and property
This folk wisdom shows Kutúzov's practical philosophy - war inevitably causes collateral damage, and you can't fight effectively while worrying about every small consequence. He accepts that some things must be sacrificed for the greater good.
In Today's Words:
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
"Christ be with you! Christ be with you!"
Context: Embracing Prince Andrew after learning of his father's death
The old general's immediate, emotional response shows genuine compassion. He sets aside military formality to comfort a grieving man. This reveals Kutúzov's humanity and understanding of what really matters.
In Today's Words:
I'm so sorry for your loss - this is bigger than work right now.
"Well, well... So you want to smell gunpowder?"
Context: Speaking to Prince Andrew about his desire for active military duty
Kutúzov gently questions Andrew's motivations for seeking combat. The phrase suggests Andrew might be romanticizing war or seeking death as escape from grief. It shows the commander's psychological insight.
In Today's Words:
So you think you want to get back in the game, huh?
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Experience Over Expertise
Lived experience and human intuition often prove more valuable than technical knowledge and detailed planning.
Thematic Threads
Leadership
In This Chapter
Kutúzov demonstrates leadership through compassion and practical wisdom rather than military brilliance
Development
Contrasts with earlier portrayals of foreign generals focused on strategy over humanity
In Your Life:
You might see this in supervisors who connect personally versus those who manage only through policies
Memory
In This Chapter
Andrew and Denísov's meeting stirs bittersweet memories of Natásha and lost youth
Development
Continues the theme of how past relationships shape present interactions
In Your Life:
You experience this when encountering people connected to significant moments from your past
Class
In This Chapter
The contrast between educated officers with plans and the practical wisdom of an aging commander
Development
Builds on ongoing tension between social position and actual competence
In Your Life:
You see this when formal education clashes with street smarts in your workplace
Human Connection
In This Chapter
Kutúzov's genuine embrace of Andrew in grief matters more than military discussions
Development
Reinforces how personal bonds transcend professional relationships
In Your Life:
You recognize this when a boss or colleague shows real care during your personal crisis
Practicality
In This Chapter
Kutúzov's dismissal of compensation claims with 'chips will fly' philosophy
Development
Introduced here as a counterpoint to overthinking and bureaucracy
In Your Life:
You apply this when deciding which workplace battles are worth fighting versus accepting inevitable consequences
Modern Adaptation
When the New Boss Arrives
Following Andrew's story...
Andrew volunteers at the community center after selling his startup, hoping to find purpose. When the beloved director retires, everyone expects the deputy director—a young MBA with impressive credentials—to take over. Instead, the board hires Maria Santos, a 65-year-old former social worker who's been quietly running programs in the background for decades. At the staff meeting, the deputy presents a detailed restructuring plan with charts and metrics. Maria listens politely, then turns to Andrew and asks about his grandmother, remembering she'd been sick. Later, when a volunteer complains about damaged supplies, Maria shrugs: 'When you're helping people, things get broken. That's the cost of doing good work.' Andrew realizes Maria understands something the younger candidate missed—that real leadership isn't about perfect systems, it's about seeing people as whole human beings with stories that matter.
The Road
The road Kutúzov walked in 1812, Andrew walks today. The pattern is identical: true wisdom often trumps impressive expertise when human stakes are highest.
The Map
This chapter provides a navigation tool for recognizing authentic leadership. Andrew learns to look beyond credentials and presentations to find leaders who prioritize human connection over process optimization.
Amplification
Before reading this, Andrew might have been impressed by the deputy's MBA and detailed plans. Now he can NAME the difference between expertise and wisdom, PREDICT which leader will actually serve people better, NAVIGATE toward authentic rather than impressive authority.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Kutuzov seem more interested in the priest's wife with bread and salt than in Denisov's detailed military strategy?
analysis • surface - 2
What does Kutuzov's response 'When wood is chopped, the chips will fly' reveal about his leadership philosophy?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace or community - who gets listened to more: the person with impressive credentials or the one with years of experience? Why?
application • medium - 4
When facing a major decision, how do you balance detailed planning with trusting your gut instincts?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the difference between being smart and being wise?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Wisdom Sources
Make two lists: people in your life who impress you with their knowledge and credentials, and people who guide you through their lived experience and practical wisdom. For each person, write one specific example of advice or insight they've given you. Notice which type of guidance has actually helped you navigate real challenges.
Consider:
- •Consider why you might naturally gravitate toward one type of advisor over another
- •Think about situations where book knowledge failed you but street wisdom saved you
- •Reflect on how you can better value both types of intelligence in your decision-making
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between following expert advice and trusting someone's hard-earned experience. What did you learn about when each type of wisdom matters most?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 206: Wisdom of Patience and Time
As the story unfolds, you'll explore patience and time can be more powerful than aggressive action, while uncovering good leaders know when not to interfere with natural processes. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.